Brian Rice, officer tried in Freddie Gray death, to get $127K in back pay

BALTIMORE, Aug. 9 (UPI) — The highest-ranking police officer tried for the death of Freddie Gray will receive nearly $127,000 in back pay from the Baltimore Police Department.

Lt. Brian Rice, who was charged in Gray’s death and ultimately acquitted, was suspended from his position without pay during the legal proceedings. Since he is now acquitted, he is entitled to the lost salary, city officials are expected to decide Wednesday.

The city’s Board of Estimates is expected to authorize a gross payment of $126,916 to Rice at a meeting Wednesday, the Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday.

Six officers were charged in Gray’s April 2015 death. Individual trials ended with the acquittals of three and prosecutors dropped the charges against the other three, citing a lack of confidence in securing any convictions.

“Being suspended without pay for over a year has been financially devastating to Lt. Rice and his family,” the lieutenant’s attorney, Michael Belsky, said.

Last month, Officer Ceasar Goodson, who drove the police van carrying Gray, was also awarded $87,705 in back pay after he was acquitted of charges.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has said Rice, though, will now face an administrative review.

Gray, 25, died last year after he was arrested by police and transported to a booking precinct. Officials said he received a severe spinal injury during transport and died a week later. His death sparked numerous protests in Baltimore and nationwide.